The biggest event celebrating fashion design and retail in Wales is back – with Cardiff Fashion Week 2024 promising an exciting array of activities including Wales’ first digital catwalk.
An exiting line-up of events has been scheduled across the city for the week from 20-27 April. As well as the showing of Wales’ first digital catwalk, there will be a model competition, fashion shows, a pop-up fashion village and even a drag show to bring fashion lovers together from across the country.
One of the highlights of the celebration will be the fashion village and catwalk shows at Cardiff Masonic Hall on Saturday 27 April which will see a variety of independent designers, boutiques and brands showcasing their collections.
The event will support A-Sisterhood, a South Wales-based not-for-profit organisation which helps support, empower and protect women worldwide. Funds from the event will be distributed by A-Sisterhood to a number of female-related charities including Cardiff Women’s Aid which is dedicated to fighting for equality, ending violence against women and girls, and supporting those who experience it.
Other events in the week include a VIP launch celebrating Wales’s first digital catwalk in association with the fashion department at the University of South Wales; a catwalk competition to fundraise for Cardiff Fashion Week’s charitable partner, A-Sisterhood; and a drag show to find the Welsh entry to the international drag event Queen of The Palace.
Cardiff Fashion Week is being organised by marketing and event management professionals, Natalie Collins and Paula Abbandonato, who have more than 40 years of experience in the field.
Paula Abbandonato said: “Cardiff Fashion Week is a platform to celebrate all that is great about Welsh fashion retail and design. We’ll see a mix of aspiring designers and established professionals rub shoulders with educators, influencers and retailers. It’s important that fashion professionals have the opportunity to showcase their talents on their doorstep and we are looking forward to seeing what creatives in design and the supporting industries have to offer this year. ”
Natalie Collins added: “Our aim is to become one of the leading regional fashion weeks in the UK providing Welsh design talent with a unique marketing opportunity on their doorstep. We have been overwhelmed with the support from fashion industry professionals in Wales. Tickets are on sale for the event now through the Cardiff Fashion Week website. VIP tickets are limited and expected to sell out quickly.”
Cardiff Fashion Week 2024 Diary:
- Saturday 20 April: The A-Sisterhood Ambassador catwalk competition at The Gate in Cardiff which will raise funds for A-Sisterhood. The competition will celebrate both fashion and feminism with models vying for a place not only on the Cardiff Fashion Week catwalk, but also an opportunity to join the A-Sisterhood India Tour 2024 to celebrate the Sheroes of Stop Acid Attacks. Visit www.a-sisterhood.org.uk/ambassador to take part.
- Sunday 21 April: A fashion flashmob of models in and around Cardiff City centre showcasing collections for the week.
- Monday 22 April: Cardiff Fashion Week’s VIP launch at the University of South Wales Atrium where guests will be treated to an evening with Wales’ first ever digital catwalk. The pioneering fashion department is hosting the event to give attendees an insight into the opportunities and possibilities of digital fashion. With a real desire to encourage a more sustainable industry, students will show the journey of their digital creations from concept to catwalk – showing how the inclusion of digital fashion is not a gimmick, but an essential way forward for the industry.
- Wednesday 24 April : It’s all sparkles, spandex, heels and hair for Queen of the Palace Wales at Main Stage on St Mary Street. The event is the Welsh qualifier for the international drag show Queen of The Palace in Benidorm final later in the year. In keeping with fashion week theme, the queens will even be asked to dress as their favourite fashion icon for one of the competition rounds.
- Saturday 27 April: Cardiff Fashion Week will be closing in style with a pop up fashion village and what’s expected to be sell-out catwalk shows at Cardiff Masonic Hall. Live entertainment, free prosecco, designer goods raffle, VIP goody bags fashion and beauty will all be in the mix to make it the most special of days.
Brands at Cardiff Fashion Week 2024…
- Andrea’s Closet
- A-Sisterhood
- Bridgend College
- Cambrensis
- Clayton Hotel
- Coleg Sir Gar
- Dani Latimer Photography
- Diamond Sole
- ISA Training
- John Lewis
- Kate Dumbleton Jewellery
- Llen Studio
- Made by Legs
- Michelle Marshall Salon
- Nathan Palmer Bespoke
- Nicole Talmer
- Something Borrowed
- Stan and Tom
- Perverse Demand
- Queen of the Palace
- Rex and Regina
- Salon Angels
- Style of the City
- University of South Wales
For tickets and details, visit: www.visitCFW.co.uk
